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The Celtics Cannot Let the Cavaliers’ Role Players Follow LeBron James’ Lead in Game 7

By Andy Goffin

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Celtics enter Game 7 at home against LeBron James and the Cavaliers with the goal of landing a coveted spot in the 2018 NBA Finals

NBA fans know that LeBron James is going to bring his all in Boston on Sunday night. His phenomenal performances in past Game 7s fueled by his clutch play throughout the playoffs create an extremely difficult matchup for any team. The Boston Celtics have to expect a legendary game from him in Game 7.

So how can the Celtics prevail knowing James will likely dominate their defense? In order for the Celtics to win this series, they must zero in on the role players, and essentially let James “do his thing.”

What are we going to get from James tonight? A 40-point triple-double? A 50-point offensive explosion with three chase-down blocks to add to his highlight reel? We have come to expect these kinds of performances from James and seem to forget that James doing this night-in and night-out is insane.

James is the best player on the floor at all times. A lot of the time there simply is not much defenses can do to stop him. That is why the Celtics must focus in on his teammates. Kevin Love is out, which may seem like a game-changer for the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ offense. However, the Cavs are actually worse with Love on the floor—they are minus-20 in point differential when he is on the court, and plus-18 when he is off. The Cavs’ best basketball on all cylinders has come without their second-best player.

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The Celtics must stop players like George Hill and Jeff Green from having solid games. The duo combined for 34 points in Game 6. Green filled in after Love’s injury in the first quarter, and put together a critical performance in the Cavs’ victory. He will start in Love’s place in Game 7 hoping to replicate his success from Friday night.

The front-court must collectively step up in stopping Green. He is 31-years-old, and usually is not thrown into such a significant role. Role players tend to play better at home, so he will not have the crowd to back him in Game 7.

George Hill has dominated the Celtics when he has been aggressive. Yet those games have only been in Cleveland, and Hill has struggled significantly on the road. The Celtics should still be cautious of Hill and his quick first-step to the hoop, but Hill has yet to prove himself in Boston so far this series.

Larry Nance Jr. went 5-5 in Game 6 and finished with 10 points to go with 7 boards. He ended up stealing most of Tristan Thompson‘s minutes in that game. Many of Nance’s baskets this series have been a result of the Celtics just not paying attention to him. In those situations, the Celtics’ bigs did not box him out or notice his openness in the paint. Nance is usually a strong finisher at the rim, so the Celtics will need to be more cautious of where he is on the floor, particularly when the shot goes up.

J.R. Smith has been anyone but himself this series, so the Celtics will not have much to worry about with him. Kyle Korver and Jordan Clarkson have the potential to contribute, but coach Tyronn Lue chooses when he wants to play the two of them by matchups. Korver has seen a great deal of minutes this series, and if the Celtics let up open looks to him, he will catch fire and burn the Celtics’ defense. He can possibly have the most impact offensively with Love out, if presented the opportunity.

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We know LeBron James is going to play out of his mind tonight. But we have seen him in the past do this and still lose the game, mainly because his teammates cannot keep up with him. If the Celtics can contain the Cavaliers’ role players Sunday night, then they will keep their championship hopes alive. But if James inspires his teammates to play at his pace, then he will lead the Cavs to his eighth-straight NBA Finals appearance.

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